In the classic nursery rhyme "Jack and Jill," the word "nob" refers to the head. It is an older, now primarily slang, term for this body part.
Context in the Nursery Rhyme
The meaning of "nob" becomes clear when observing its use within the full verses of the rhyme, particularly in relation to Jack's unfortunate incident. After Jack falls down the hill, the rhyme describes his injury and subsequent remedy:
- "Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water;
Jack fell down and broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after.
Up Jack got and home did trot,
As fast as he could caper,
To old Dame Dob
To mend his nob
With vinegar and brown paper."
Here, "broke his crown" and "mend his nob" both refer to the injury sustained to Jack's head. "Crown" in this context often signifies the top or upper part of the head, while "nob" refers to the head more generally.
Understanding "Nob"
Historically, "nob" has been used informally to denote the head. While it is less common in everyday language today, its appearance in older texts like the "Jack and Jill" rhyme showcases its past usage as a simple, direct term for the head. This linguistic insight helps understand how such terms were integrated into popular children's verses.
| Term | Meaning in "Jack and Jill" | Historical Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| Crown | The top or upper part of the head | Also a symbol of royalty or achievement; can mean the very top of anything |
| Nob | The head (general term) | Primarily a slang or informal term for the head |
This usage highlights a common practice in traditional rhymes and songs, where simple, often monosyllabic words were used, reflecting the vernacular of the time. For a general understanding of the word "head," you can consult a reputable online dictionary.
Key Takeaways
- "Nob" in "Jack and Jill" directly means the head.
- It functions as a colloquial or slang term for the head, prevalent in older English.
- The rhyme uses "crown" and "nob" interchangeably to refer to Jack's injured head, illustrating an older vocabulary.
